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The heat is on, folks! Temps are ratcheting up into the 90s this weekend (and maybe higher in some places), so stay cool and stay hydrated out there. And if you still want to tackle some to-dos head on, we’ve got a few ideas.
This August 22-24 in Los Angeles, catch the PAFF Summer ArtFest at Baldwin Crenshaw Plaza, the summer finale of Grand Performances, a exhibition opening at Torrance Art Museum, the El Segundo Art Walk, a Community Concert at LA Plaza, Maestro of the Movies at the Bowl, and more.
Things To Do This Weekend
M = Less than .5 miles from an L.A. Metro Station, FA = Free Admission, TP = Top Pick
PAFF Summer ArtFest – M FA > This Thursday through Sunday, the Pan African Arts Film & Arts Festival is hosting their Summer ArtFest at Baldwin Crenshaw Plaza. The first night will included a cocktail reception with wine and light hors d’oeuvre. The main festival will offer guests/shoppers one-of-a-kind fine art, fashion, jewelry and home goods, plus the chance to mix and mingle with local, national and international Black artists. Hours are 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday to Saturday, then 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Sunday. All free to attend! More info here.
Fiesta La Ballona – FA > Culver City’s annual summer festival returns this Friday to Sunday at Veterans Memorial Park, featuring live performances, carnival rides, pool movie screenings, games, a beer and wine garden, food trucks, and a vendor village with local groups and artisan wares. More info here.
Maestro of the Movies at the Bowl -> The Hollywood Bowl’s annual salute to composer John Williams features three nights of movie music with the Los Angeles Philharmonic, all led by conductor David Newman. The 2025 edition of Maestro of the Movies features selections from some of Williams’ most inspiring scores of the past half century, including the “Flying Theme” from E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial, “The Shark Cage Fugue/Out to Sea” from Jaws, “Raiders March” from Raiders of the Lost Ark, and “Throne Room and Finale” from Star Wars: A New Hope (to name a few!). And as part of this year’s program, you’ll also be treated to Kobe Bryant’s 2017 short documentary Dear Basketball in its entirety. Shows are this Friday to Sunday. Get more info here.
Cigarette + Hays Holladay House Party – FA > If you’re looking for something a bit off the beaten path this Friday, This is Cigarette and Hays Holladay will perform sets at On Joy in Highland Park (a private home located somewhere near Ave 50 and Figueroa). The party will double as an album release for Holladay, whose work you may have already heard as he’s the co-composer of the score for Weapons. If you want to go, you’ll need to message @___onjoy on IG for address. Party starts at 7 p.m. and is free to attend.
Family Movie Night at Kelly Park – FA > This Friday, Compton Parks & Recreation hosts a free, family-friendly screening of Lilo & Stitch at Kelly Park. The movie starts at 5:30 p.m., and free popcorn will be provided. More info here.
Friday Night Wine Tastings at Barnsdall Park – M > Friday night wine tasting continue at the Barnsdall Art Park West Lawn this week. Now in its 16th season tickets cost $45 and get you a flight of wines curated by Silverlake Wine, plus access to a rotation of food trucks, all supported by tunes from local DJs and sweet sunset views of the Hollywood Sign and Griffith Park Observatory. The series continues every Friday through September 26. All proceeds support programming within the Park. Starts at 5:30 p.m. More info here.
Jazz at LACMA – FA > The Los Angeles County Museum of Art’s Friday Night Jazz series continues this week with another concerts at Smidt Welcome Plaza. For this installment, catch a performance by trumpeter Gilbert Castellanos. PLUS: Remember that LACMA is free to visit for L.A. County Residents (with I.D.) on weekdays after 3 p.m. Concert starts at 6 p.m. More info here.
Beach Movie Nights at Dockweiler – FA > LA County Beaches & Harbors has been hosting free summer movie nights at Dockweiler Youth Center every Friday evening, and the series continues this week with a screening of Ferris Bueller’s Day Off at 8 p.m. All seating is first-come, first-served. Blankets and low-back chairs welcome. More info here.
Grand Performances – M FA TP > Grand Performances wraps up a summer of free programming at California Plaza this weekend with a pair of events. First, on Friday, GP and the Japanese American National Museum co-present Dave Iwataki’s J-Town/Bronzeville Suite, a moving musical journey and history lesson about Los Angeles during World War II. Then for the Saturday season finale, it’s dance vibes all night long as ZZK Records and misterpsychedelia present Oro Sólido. Friday starts at 7 p.m. Saturday sets begin at 6:20 p.m. Both free to attend. More info here.
Endless Summer C.A.M.P. – M FA > Santa Monica’s Endless Summer C.A.M.P. series is back at Tongva Park this Saturday with an array of fabulous programming to cap the summer run. Expect a Bubble Party with Bubblemania & Company, a hands-on workshop with Rediscover Center, as well as performances by the Pacific Opera Project and Msanga Marimba. Runs 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Free to attend. More info here.
Community Concert at LA Plaza – M FA > This Saturday, LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes hosts a community concert organized to spotlight the new temporary exhibition A Great Day in East L.A.: Celebrando the Eastside Sound—a multimedia exhibition that delves into the rich musical legacy of East Los Angeles. Tropa Magica and Buyepongo will both perform. La Junta DJs will provide supporting sets, and there will be food and drinks available for purchase. Runs from 6 to 10 p.m. and free to attend. More info here.
Exhibition Opening at TAM – FA > This Saturday, the Torrance Art Museum will host an evening reception to celebrate the opening of new fall exhibitions, including SUR: biennial, which examines the influence of Latin American cultures on contemporary art, and Affective Territories, Alternate Belongings, an international, media-focused exploration of identity and technology. The reception runs from 6 to 9 p.m., and works will remain on view through September 27. TAM is always free to attend. More info here.
Levitt Pavilion Los Angeles – M FA > Levitt Pavilion Los Angeles continues on Saturday with an evening of electro-rock and Latin beats featuring Kinky and Los Abandoned. Music runs from 7 to 10 p.m. Free to attend as always. More info here.
El Segundo Art Walk – FA TP > On Saturday, an indie, self-guided art event highlights the creative businesses throughout Downtown El Segundo while showcasing local artists. Expect food trucks, live music, and extended hours from the El Segundo Museum of Art. Runs 3 to 9 p.m. Free to attend. More info here.
Matinees on the Mountain -> Ready for a movie day with a view? Mount Wilson Observatory continues its Matinees series this Saturday with Envisioning the Skies: a Short History of Astronomical Films presented in a cozy 256-seat auditorium. Come early to explore the observatory, picnic on the grounds or grab lunch at the Cosmic Cafe before the show. Tickets are $20 for adults and $15 for kids 12 and under. More info here.
Off the 405 – FA > The Getty’s annual after-hours concerts series comes to a close this Saturday with a performance from Emile Mosseri. You’ll need to pre-register for free to attend, and remember that parking is $10 after 6 p.m. on Saturdays. More info here.
Marina Movie Nights – FA > The Department of Beaches and Harbors hosts Marina Movie Nights at Burton Chace Park in Marina del Rey on select Saturdays in August and September, staring this weekend. The lineup includes catch Jumanji (August 23) The Little Rascals (August 30), The Neverending Story (September 6), Grease (September 13), Shrek (September 20 ), and Grown Ups (September 27). Free to attend, with seating available on a first-come, first-served basis. Make sure you bring a blanket for that coastal breeze! More info here.
LA ❤️Immigrants -> This Sunday, head to Scribble in Highland Park for a benefit concert supporting the Immigrant Defenders Law Center. The night features live performances from Aquinomas, Porkboii, and special guests, with doors opening at 6:30 p.m. Entry is a suggested $20 donation, with a sliding scale available at the door. Everyone is welcome, even kids! More info here.
Gardena Jazz Festival -> The City of Garden hosts their 22nd annual Jazz Festival this Sunday at Rowley Park. The lineup features Robert Glasper, Avery Sunshine, Arturo Sandoval, Tatiana Tate, and more. Gates open at 9 a.m. Music goes until 7 p.m. GA tickets start at $32.75. More info here.
Dining & Drinking
(picks by Christina Champlin)
A Vegan Summer Steak Night Menu at Crossroads Kitchen (Now through August) -> Crossroads Kitchen turns up the heat this summer with the return of its beloved “Summer Steak Night.” Every Thursday through Saturday through the end of August, savor a $65, three-course, all-plant-based feast at the West Hollywood hotspot. Start strong with a Lobster Mushroom Cocktail or Hearts of Palm–Stuffed Mushrooms, then cut into Chef Tal Ronnen’s perfectly charred Lion’s Mane Steak or melt-in-your-mouth Eggplant Filet. Pile on decadent sides like Mac & Cheese, Creamed Corn, and Truffle Fries before finishing with a sweet finale of your choice from Hummingbird Cake, to a Brownie Sundae, or Banana Puddling. More info here.
Bap & Bird Grandopening (August 24) -> A new Korean fried chicken and omubap spot is landing inside Seoulmates in Mid-City. This Sunday from noon to 4 p.m., get 40% off the menu and sample Bap & Bird’s signatures like Korean Honey Garlic and “Korribbean” KBBQ wings, plus Spicy Pork and Elote omubap—a cross between Korean kimbap and Japanese onigiri. The first 50 guests score free wings, while Big Noise Beers pours $2 drafts (cash only!) with proceeds going to Angel City Pit Bulls. Expect a live DJ, giveaways (labubu, gift cards, more), and flash tattoos for both people and their labubus. More info here.
9th Annual Smorgasburg BBQ Day (August 24) -> Smorgasburg’s beloved BBQ Day returns this Sunday, bringing pitmasters from around the globe for one-day-only specials and collabs. This year’s lineup features Smoke Queen BBQ (Singapore), Yakitori Cartel (Mexico/Japan), Full Send BBQ (Philippines), and more.
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